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Original poster

Tonsillitis with white spots: antibiotics or not?

30 replies

Northernlass69 · 25/12/2018 12:45

Happy Christmas! I've had a bad throat for a few days and a bad head, yesterday the white spots turned up on my tonsils, more today. So far I don't have a temperature. Do I need antibiotics? Should I wait and see if it gets better by itself? I think this is what the nhs website says.should I get a script just in case it worsens? I'm going away in a few days. Just not sure if I need to do anything or wait it out.

OP posts:
GinaLinetti99 · 25/12/2018 12:46

I had tonsillitis with white spots a few weeks ago and wasn't prescribed anything as I didn't have a temperature. I would leave it for now, but seek advice if you feel any worse.

Trampire · 25/12/2018 12:49

My daughter had a bad throat sore with white spots all at the back of her throat (plus labyrinthitis) but no temperature.

The GP prescribed no ABs. Told her to drink lots, sleep and take the rest of the week off school.

She was fine the next week.

RockNRollNerd · 25/12/2018 12:49

Dashing out but google cantor criteria they are what they use to decide if you need antibiotics. It’s to do with about four factors incl temp and absence of cough. Stuff on tonsils is one of them but not the only criteria. Hope you feel better soon

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Original poster
Northernlass69 · 25/12/2018 13:26

Thanks all. Fingers crossed it doesn't get any worse.

OP posts:
MrsTommyBanks · 25/12/2018 13:50

Gargle with boiled water, with a dash of salt. Old school I know but it will help the infection.
Hope you feel better soon Flowers

Imalittleelf · 25/12/2018 17:54

I had it. Doc gave me penicillin, cleared it right up.

GoatYoga · 25/12/2018 18:02

Five days and mine started to clear by itself - no need to contribute to anti-biotic resistance unless you are really unwell.

ForgivenessIsDivine · 25/12/2018 18:10

Cayenne pepper, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and raw honey. Gargle every 30 minutes for 2 hours then every hour until you go to bed and every two hours tomorrow.

crosser62 · 25/12/2018 18:13

No antibiotics, self limiting so will get better on its own.

NHS choices website for evidenced based information to back this up.

Paracetamol &/or ibuprofen and loads of fluids. Sorted.

Bigonesmallone3 · 25/12/2018 18:14

I have tonsillitis, have had since Friday.. the fever only lasted one day so I haven't bothered with docs..
I'm pregnant so I'm inclined to try and avoid meds unless unavoidable.. throat sweets and hot drinks seem to be sufficient..

mortifiedmama · 25/12/2018 18:49

No. I had tonsillitis with spots 5 times in one year, got antibiotics the first 2 times but then guidance changed and they stopped prescribing them. I didn't notice a difference in how quickly it cleared up (5-10 days depending on severity).

Minniemountain · 25/12/2018 20:10

I got white spots lots without having tonsillitis. Never had antibiotics. Also no longer have tonsils.,

Fluffycloudland77 · 25/12/2018 21:08

I had it in may, 10 days of penicillin & basically slept all day only waking to take my antibiotics.

It was awful.

Original poster
Northernlass69 · 25/12/2018 21:09

Thanks. Fingers crossed. It's more painful tonight but I have been on the go all day and talking lots. The last thing I want is antibiotics.

OP posts:
lavenderbluedilly · 25/12/2018 21:16

I get this sometimes. I find it’ll clear more quickly with antibiotics but they make me feel horrendous, so I just let it run it’s course.

user1471426142 · 25/12/2018 21:44

Try some corsodyl mouthwash. I get infected tonsils quite often and corsodyl seems to clear it up quicker for me and is nicer than gargling salt water.

museumum · 25/12/2018 21:47

On average antibiotics only shorten the duration for 16 hours. You’re almost as likely to get over it without as with.

kitkatsky · 25/12/2018 22:02

White spots don't mean it's bacterial. I get bacterial (swab confirmed) tonsilllitis a couple of times a year but I feel like death with it- temp that will not come down even with paracetamol, crawling round fooor as can't walk, vomiting etc....

If you're ok apart from the pain I'd be inclined to try and keep up the rest and fluids etc

Original poster
Northernlass69 · 26/12/2018 07:48

Feel really sick and cold. Going to try and see someone.

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 26/12/2018 08:11

When I had my last attack I was told to go sooner in future if the white spots appeared.

NotANotMan · 26/12/2018 08:14

Tonsillitis is usually viral as far as I know. Plenty of paracetamol for the temperature and ibuprofen too.

Vebrithien · 26/12/2018 08:25

Be careful. I had the same symptoms at the end of November, then woke up several days into it with my voice sounding like I had a mouthful of hot food (it's actually called the hot potato voice). 12 hours later, I was in A&E (having been referred by the doctor) struggling to breathe with Quinsy (abcess behind the tonsils). Still recovering now. If one side becomes worse, or both tonsils start to swell towards the centre of your throat, make sure you get checked out.

CoteDAzur · 26/12/2018 08:30

See a doctor. There is a simple test they do to see if it's bacterial. If so, you will get antibiotics.

Fluffycloudland77 · 26/12/2018 08:32

Viral infections can weaken the area leading to bacterial infections.

I was told to complete my ab, which I do anyway, as if you don’t theres a risk of it returning as rheumatic fever.

Original poster
Northernlass69 · 26/12/2018 08:38

She said it's bad. Got a temp. I'm rating high end of scale. 8 tablets a day!!!!!

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